CENTCOM Commander’s Second Visit to Israel Amid Concerns Over Iran's Capabilities

In continuation of the coordination between Israel and the United States in facing potential attacks from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hezbollah, and their allies against Israel in the near future, CENTCOM Commander General Michael Eric Kurilla visited Israel for the second time in a week. On Thursday, August 9, he met and discussed with Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, upon his arrival in Tel Aviv. According to the Israeli Army, the meeting focused on security and strategic matters and part of the preparations to counter threats in the region. General Kurilla had also discussed with the Israeli Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported on Thursday that there is "concern in Israel" regarding the capabilities of a regional coalition and the effectiveness of defense systems against a potential complex attack from the Islamic Republic of Iran and Hezbollah. The New York Times also noted that a large number of missile launches by Iran and Hezbollah or the deployment of waves of drones flying at low altitudes pose a risk of saturating Israel's air defense systems. Nine days after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas's political bureau during a visit to Tehran, which drew all eyes towards Israel, the country has not accepted responsibility for the act, while the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran has emphasized "vengeance" for the "honored guest" of Iran. The region and the world remain concerned about the possibility of the Gaza war expanding into a broader conflict. The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, the most important proxy arm of the Islamic Republic in the region, has recently emphasized that revenge for the death of Fouad Shukr, a senior commander of the group, is "certain." Fouad Shukr was killed hours before Haniyeh's death in a targeted attack by the Israeli army in Beirut, for which Israel accepted responsibility. Hassan Nasrallah stated on Wednesday that Hezbollah's response is "on the way; a strong and impactful response." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi have repeatedly emphasized this week that their country is at "peak readiness" to face potential attacks from Iran and Hezbollah. Netanyahu stated on Thursday that everything is ready for both defense and offense. Concurrently with General Kurilla's return to Israel, the U.S. Army announced the arrival of its modern fighter jets in the region. Despite this, the Washington Post noted on Thursday that there is "increasing concern" regarding the Arab coalition that had helped repel Iran's attack earlier this spring. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside the U.S., the U.K., and France, assisted Israel in intercepting "over 99 percent" of 313 Iranian missile and drone projectiles on the night of April 14. The April attack was Iran's retaliation for the killing of a senior Quds Force commander at the Islamic Republic's "consulate" in Syria and marked the first direct military attack from Iranian soil and air against Israel. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army praised the cooperation of Arab countries in April in countering the threat posed by Iran to Israel as "new opportunities for cooperation in the Middle East." However, according to the Washington Post, Israel's current isolation in the region may make it more vulnerable. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have stated that their airspace should not become a battleground for settling scores between countries, and Egypt has also stated it will not be a partner in a military axis to repel Iranian attacks. An Israeli official told the Washington Post that Arab countries within the range of Iranian missiles want to contain Iran, but their recent public statements are "concerning." This unnamed Israeli official added that in the face of the prospect of an all-out war, Israel is acting "alone." The report also indicates concerns that Israeli air defense systems, even with U.S. support, may not be fully effective against a large and coordinated attack from Iran and its allies. The New York Times also reported on Friday, August 10, that Israel has the "Hatz" (Arrow) air defense system to counter long-range ballistic missiles outside the Earth's atmosphere and the "Iron Dome" system for intercepting medium-range and short-range rockets, but a massive missile launch by Iran and Hezbollah could saturate these systems. The New York Times also noted that deploying a large number of drones at low altitudes, which fly below radar, complicates their interception and destruction. The Kan network in Israel reported on Wednesday that Israel has informed the U.S. and its Western allies that any Iranian attack on Israel will be met with an attack on Iranian soil. A senior U.S. official also stated on Thursday that Washington has made Tehran aware that the consequences of a direct Iranian attack on Israel could be "very serious" for Iran and its economy. Several American media outlets, citing various sources in recent days, reported that the risk of a direct attack from Iran has apparently decreased following warnings, but the assessment is that Hezbollah will carry out its attack independently of Iran. Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, sent a message in Arabic to the people of Lebanon on Thursday, stating, "Iran and its mercenaries have taken you hostage and have brought Lebanon to the brink of a dangerous adventure." Iran still officially emphasizes the need for revenge, and Iranian state media, by broadcasting interviews with people demanding "vengeance," seem to be preparing public opinion for another direct attack on Israel, but Tehran's political and military leaders have not stated what measures they have planned in the event of facing further potential Israeli attacks.